Making my way back to Ecuador and where it all started...
 |
| Bella and me in Cumbaya, Ecuador |
How long have you ever waited for something?
Do you think 30 years is a long time to wait? I sure do. I am not sure why I did not make it more of a priority to make my way back sooner, but as soon as I saw an opening to make a run for it, I did. I can't tell you how nervous I was to go back. Packing was a 2 week process. I wanted to remember (and bring) everything. I went over what I needed over and over in my mind. Did I forget anything? Did I pack everything? Was there enough room? (I did end up remembering everything and it turned out to all be fine!) I used this occasion to take my 2 youngest daughters with me to mark their graduation and for turning 16. It was their very first time traveling out of the country and to Ecuador. It was also the first time they would meet some of my family members. It was a pretty big deal on many accounts. You see, my Uncle was one of the first real influences in my life outside of my parents. He was pretty young when I was born and my mom chose him to be my Godfather. It was the perfect choice (as was my Godmother, my Dad's sister- who I resemble very much) There was a bond that was created and never broken, even by the test of time.
Each time we would see each other, it would be momentous rekindling of a beautiful love born long ago. I would only see him about every 7 years and 30 years without seeing each other was way too long. My parents would take me to Ecuador about every 7 years and they sent me on a final trip after my college graduation. 1990. That was the last time I was in Ecuador.
It was before marriage, kids, everything. This time, life was so different in so many ways. I had a completely different life and I really didn't know exactly what to expect. Would Ecuador be the same as I knew it last? Upon arrival, (it was really late at night) I did not see much. I only saw these beautiful twinkling lights in the night sky welcoming me back to the homeland of my mother and in the future, my own. (if I have anything to say about it!)
We got the chance to have a good night's sleep and get a good breakfast before heading out with my dear uncle and aunt. They treated us to a delicious breakfast and off we went to Old Quito! At first, much of Quito looked the same, but there were some big differences as you got closer to the Center of Quito. It was very interesting because it was similar, then very different, then very similar again. 30 years is a big difference!! There were several tall, modern buildings, hotels, malls, fast food places, and more.
As you got to the center of Quito, it was very much the same. That is the charm of Quito! According to UNESCO, Quito is one of the most well preserved cities in all of Latin America. It has not changed in many many years. The only difference being the 5G cells atop several of the old building structures. Even though it was changed, so much of it was very familiar and a welcome sight for these sore eyes.
That morning and afternoon, my Uncle gave us a whirlwind tour through churches, libraries, museums and more! It was exhilarating to be a part of this beautiful city. To make it even more special, we were out on August 10th, a national holiday for Ecuador. It was so beautiful to see so many flags and roses! The roses in Ecuador and quite literally the best! We stopped to eat at this amazing restaurant called Hasta La Vuelta, Señor on the 3rd floor of the Archbishop's Palace on Plaza Grande. It was breathtaking to be in that beautiful space; not to mention the food was delicious! It was so good to be back after so many years! I felt so at home that I honestly cried when I left. (and booked tickets to come back in less than 2 months with my husband!)
.png)
.png "Quito, the Capital City of Ecuador")
Out of this trip, the idea for Mindful Ecuadorian Travel Adventures was born!
This amazing trip inspired me to go back and to promote this amazing country to others as a way to give back for all the beauty this country has given me!
Comments
Post a Comment